Suspect in arrest video will file complaint

Two officers are on paid administrative leave during an internal investigation

By PoliceOne Staff

OMAHA, Neb. — A suspect whose arrest was captured on tape is filing a complaint against the Omaha Police Department.

Robert Wagner ignored advice from his former attorney, who told him not to file the complaint, according to KETV. Wagner told sources he is still recovering from his May 29 arrest outside the Creighton University Medical Center and hopes his move will send a message.

Surveillance video that aired on a local news channel showed an officer kicking Wagner. Investigators said Wagner punched an officer, but it wasn’t captured by the surveillance camera. He is charged with assaulting an officer.

The department announced on Monday that the two officers involved are on paid administrative leave as an internal investigation is underway, which pleases some community activists who are calling for more police oversight.

"The fact of the matter is, this thing is bigger than Alex Hayes," said activist Willie Hamilton, referring to Omaha's police chief.

Councilman Ben Gray said the public needs to trust the police chief and the investigation process.

"Absolutely have some faith in the chief," said Gray. "I mean, he's the guy where the buck stops."